Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

THE HARMONY GUIDES FROM INTERWEAVE PRESS-BASIC CROCHET STITCHES

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I recently became aware of the newest Harmony Guides for crochet. These are printed by Interweave Press, a name I have come to trust in the crochet world. So far, there are two books:

Basic Crochet Stitches, 250 Stitches To Crochet edited by Erika Knight

Crochet Stitch Motifs, 250 Stitches to Crochet edited by Erika Knight.

This post will focus on the Basic Crochet Stitch book. This book is a 2008 publication, 270 pages, with a list price of $22.95 USD. This book has a very practical ‘peanut butter and jelly’ cover, so called because it is sturdy and wipes clean if you (or your crochet helper) drips something on the cover. I like that feature. It’s listed as having 250 stitches ‘include a few new ones and some reinvented for a new generation.’ There are clear sketches of all the basic (beginner) stitches and techniques and a very helpful ‘jargon busting’ reference (especially helpful for beginners). Also included is a concise but thorough key to symbol/charted crochet. That is a page I will return to again and again.

The stitch gallery includes excellent quality color photos, written instructions, and a symbol chart for each stitch. Also, the now obligatory number of stitches and X for turning chain information is included for each stitch. Another good feature is the use of more than one color of yarn when doing so will show the show the stitch to its best advantage.

Surprises (or new to me):

shallow single crochet on page 35

fleur de lis on page 53

connected spiral stitch on page 67

wedge stitch on page 88

petal pattern on page 123

embossed roundels on page 189

interlocking shell stitch on page 217

multi-colored patchwork on page 247.

It is my usual practice to see a stitch that intrigues me, pick up yarn and hook, and make a scarf. If I still enjoy crocheting the stitch or motif, I’m likely to continue it into an afghan or sweater. This book really makes me itch to get out my hook and yarn and try every stitch that’s new to me and some that aren’t new to me but previously mystified me now that this book has made the stitch execution clearer.

This is a great reference book for a beginner and a very useful resource for crocheters at ever level.

ISBN:9781596680814

Have you read?

Free Christmas Worry Worm Crochet Pattern With a Printable Gift Card

There’s something rather lovely about a handmade gift that says, “I was thinking of you,” without needing a large box, expensive supplies or three weeks of frantic crocheting.

Our Christmas worry worm is a sweet little example. It has a curly body, a smiling embroidered face and a pointed Santa hat, plus a decorative printable gift card that turns a small crochet project into a thoughtful festive present.

And yes, those little leftover balls of Christmas yarn finally have a job. Apparently, keeping them all was entirely reasonable.

A Christmas Twist on the Crochet Worry Worm

If you’ve enjoyed our original crochet worry worm project, this Christmas version offers a different construction and a festive finish.

The body is a narrow crochet corkscrew, while the head is a separate, lightly stuffed ball worked in continuous rounds. A small hat with a contrasting brim completes the character.

What I particularly like about this design is that the Christmas detail comes from the colours and that tiny hat. There are no fiddly fingers, miniature boots or elaborate accessories to sew together. The curly body gives it plenty of personality all by itself.

What Skills Will You Need?

This free Christmas worry worm crochet pattern uses chains, single crochet, increases, decreases and slip stitches. You’ll also need to work a magic ring, embroider a simple face and sew the three components together.

I’d describe it as an easy project for someone comfortable with basic crochet stitches and ready to try small amigurumi pieces. The tiny hat rounds may require a little patience, especially if you usually make blankets with a lovely big hook.

The materials are straightforward: DK or 8-ply yarn, a 3 mm hook, a little stuffing, black embroidery thread and a yarn needle.

Choose smooth yarn so you can see your stitches clearly. Fluffy yarn might look festive in the ball, but finding four tiny stitches in a magic ring is quite enough excitement without hiding them under eyelash fibres.

Make Santa, Elf or Snowy Christmas Versions

The same construction works in several Christmas colour combinations:

  • Traditional Santa: A red curly body, cream head and red hat with a white brim.
  • Christmas elf: A green body and green hat with a contrasting red brim.
  • Snowy Christmas friend: A white body and head, finished with a red-and-white Santa hat.

The faces are embroidered, and the hat tip has a few white stitches rather than a separate pompom. Keep those details simple and let the colour combinations do the decorating.

If seasonal variations are your weakness, our Easter bunny worry worm pattern is another idea to save for your next round of small handmade gifts.

The Printable Christmas Gift Card Makes It Feel Special

The accompanying printable card is the detail that brings this project together.

Watercolour-style poinsettias, holly, red bows and gold accents frame a short verse, with To and From lines for your message. A pale green space on the right holds